Silverstone Tundra TD01 External WC Kit Review

Silverstone introduced a compact external water cooling kit, named the Tundra TD01 a while ago, we stress test this silent cooling solution with a hot running P4 as well as a more eco-friendly Celeron CPU. Does it stand a chance against a high end air cooling setup? We´ll find out.

Introduction + specification

Introduction

Some time ago we had a little discussion going around on our forums. Some die hard water-cooling fanatics were convinced that no air-cooling could beat water-cooling. While the air-cooling enthusiasts were telling that water-cooling was not really worth the higher price tag.

Today we'll be testing the Silverstone Tundra TD01...

The external unit, with the very noticeable analog thermometer.

As SilverStone's first liquid cooling system, the Tundra TD01 is the first of its kind in the world. Inspired by the unibody construction first pioneered on SilverStone's flagship tower chassis, the Temjin TJ07 , the frame of the TD01 is also crafted from one piece of unusually thick and high quality aluminum extrusion. However, the similarity ends as SilverStone engineers found ways to enhance the unibody structure with advanced positioning of liquid channels and heat dissipating fins, creating a functional radiator frame. Using the enclosure's exterior frame as the radiator gives the TD 01 a tremendous amount of surface area in which to conduct heat exchange with the surrounding air without any use of fans, making this liquid cooling system perfect for low noise computing. And to be sure this spectacular patented (pending) technology can be appreciated in home theater environments and other areas where the TD01 is most needed, the styling and finish were fine-tuned to levels rivaling world-class audio components. If you thought liquid cooling in HTPC was not possible before due to integration issues such as size, noise, use of fans, or visual harmony, the TD01 will change all of that and offer a compelling reason to finally make the transition.

Those are the actual specifications that can be found on the Silverstone website. A bit strange as the unit we have here has a copper block. After looking and searching trough previous publications, we've found that there was indicated on the site "Copper and acrylic". I've been looking around on the web, but haven't found any pictures yet with the aluminum block.

On the upper left corner you can see the backplane, this one is only needed for the AMD installation. In the middle we see the hold-down for the AMD as well. The AMD mounting needs to be installend with screws (with the added springs); trough the mainboard. The Intel 775 needs to be installed with the push pins.

A view from the side, a (in this case) copper base, acrylic top and extra copper top.

The base from the block, spot the 4 holes where you need to screw the hold down into. The finishing is very good; you can almost see my reflection.